With the pandemic slowing down, we are starting to see food and drinks at trade show displays again. Walking around a trade show all day can leave one rather hungry. That being said, a trade show food and/or drinks can be a welcome respite. If you offer attendees food and/or drink at your booth, you should keep the following tips in mind.
DO Make the Most of the Opportunity for Branding
Everything you hand out at your booth is a prime opportunity to communicate your brand. Are you serving cookies? Then wrap them in wax paper or cellophane with your logo and serve them with a napkin that features your logo. You can wrap water bottles with customized stickers that showcase your logo. You can also serve coffee with branded coffee sleeves.
If you really want to take your coffee game to the next level, you need to explore the world of latte printers! You can leverage quirkier options as a vehicle to communicate your brand by enticing those who visit your booth with fresh popcorn that features your logo on the bag. Many people these days frown upon customizing disposable packaging. If your budget allows for it, you can appeal to this crowd and serve snacks in branded thermoses or mugs.
DON’T Serve Messy Food or Drinks
Imagine that you’re walking the trade show floor with a bag of giveaways in one hand and a water bottle in the other. Do you really want to attempt managing a tray of nachos? Probably not! A safe bet is to serve individual portions of “finger food” that attendees can easily consume at your booth.
DO Consider Serving Beverages
In most cases, you’ll want to avoid serving alcoholic beverages at your booth. However, if adult beverages align with your branding, you should consider offering beer or wine to attendees. This is a prime opportunity to give a tip of the hat to the trade show’s location or your company’s hometown. Are you working a trade show on the west side of Michigan? Then tap a couple of kegs from Dark Horse or Founders and serve up some Detroit style pizza from Buddy’s. If alcohol isn’t an option, then quality coffee or specialty soda may be a better course of action.
DON’T Forget About Logistics
Make sure you do your due diligence when it comes to the food and/or beverage that you plan to serve. It’s critical that you abide by the rules set forth by the show – aka, is what you have in mind allowed? You also want to ensure that your electrical needs and space considerations are adequate. If you have a limited footprint, it may not be wise to use too much square footage with an elaborate food and drink effort.
What you serve to attendees and how you serve it is an opportunity to make a lasting impression. Make the most of this opportunity to stray from the norm. In addition to attracting visitors to your booth, you will likely find that they spend more time with you. This extra time is a great opportunity to maximize your engagement with both prospects and customers.
